In this interview, we speak with Mandy Yeung, currently Program Officer of our HSBC Scholarship Partnership Program, to find out the various skills and experiences she gained from playing a crucial supporting role to different FSI teams, as well as why she thinks FSI provides young workers like her with a good working environment and abundant opportunities to exercise self-assertiveness, autonomy, collaborative teamwork, while building an impact-driven mindset.
When and why did you join Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)?
I joined FSI as a Corporate Social Responsibility Associate in July 2023 through a program called JC PROcruit C, which is organized by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to provide job opportunities and coaching to fresh graduates.
The reason I joined FSI is that I am interested in working in the non-profit sector. When I was a year-three undergraduate, I worked as an intern at a non-profit organization in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the organization faced significant operational challenges which also led to its closure.
This is another reason why FSI is special to me because it is rare to find a non-profit that supports and assists other non-profits. Therefore, when I learned about FSI, I wanted to know more about the operation of FSI and contribute to the team, helping to make a positive impact on Hong Kong society.
After a year of working at FSI, I still have a strong passion for working here. I have become more involved with the HSBC Scholarship Partnership Program and changed my job position to Program Officer.
What was your role and what were your responsibilities when you first joined FSI? How have they changed in the past year with your new role?
My first role in FSI was Corporate Social Responsibility Associate and I worked closely with different teams, which allowed me to explore the things that I am interested in.
In the Communications and Marketing team, I made use of various tools to schedule and manage social media posts, event blog posts, the Social Impact Knowledge Hub, and monthly stakeholder meeting invitations. In addition, I helped the team with Chinese translation work.Â
In the Community Connections team, I assisted with the follow-up process with the skills-based volunteers and the community partners we engage through meaningful skills-based volunteering projects. As we match HSBC Scholarship recipients with our community partners through meaningful projects, I continue to do this follow-up and engagement work in my new role.Â
In the Community Business Support team, I worked as an event helper and assisted in different events. For example, I provided event coordination support at FSI’s first GuideFong Bazaar in September 2024, FSI’s Impact Jams that give corporate employees the opportunity to give back to the community, the workshops and initiatives organized under FSI’s Community Business Internship Program, and the GuideFong Tours.
I was – and still am – responsible for the waste management and recycling initiative at FSI’s office, which we call Peak Impact, which we share with some of our community partners. In addition to taking the recyclables to a nearby GREEN@COMMUNITY recycling point, I also measure the amount of different recyclables every month and compile a report that I share with the FSI team and tenants of Peak Impact.
After a year at FSI, I found that I have a great interest and passion in developing the skills around event management and planning. This coincided with the new partnership program entered into by FSI and HSBC to engage the large community of HSBC Scholarship recipients, also called HSBC HUB members. Having transitioned to the Program Officer of the program, I now have more chances to participate in event planning and management, and meet and communicate with FSI’s corporate partners and other organizations in the social impact sector.
How would you describe FSI as an organization? Do FSI’s vision and mission align with your personal values? If yes, in what ways?
FSI is an organization that connects different sectors and helps them maximize their impact on society. I believe FSI’s vision and mission align with my personal values, especially the concept of “shared impact.” This idea resonates with me because it emphasizes collective vision in making Hong Kong a better place. Regardless of the sector we come from, we all contribute to positive change in our society.
Were there any memorable moments (e.g., the time spent with your colleagues, learning, inspiration etc.)?
Yes, one of the memorable moments of working in FSI is a day when we were working at a colleague’s place. On that day, the team gave me a surprise by celebrating my birthday. We sang the birthday song together and it warmed my heart. I am pleased and feel grateful to work with the team.
The second memorable moment is playing a leading role in the M+ special tour to the “Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination” Exhibition event for the HSBC scholars. This is because it is the first time for me to lead and manage the event by myself. With the guidance and suggestions from my team, I am able to manage the participants and run the event smoothly. After this event, I became more confident in leading an event.
Another memorable moment is the Christmas Party and Art Jamming Event at Gowld Art Centre. I had a great time doing the Christmas decorations with Dina Pesumal, manager of the HSBC Scholarship Partnership Program, and painting a nice sunset picture during the event. I enjoyed spending time with my team during the Christmas period. I am glad to see our participants loved our event too.
How do you find your work and the company culture at FSI so far?
I think FSI is an organization that provides a good work culture to young people. With the hybrid working style in FSI, I am able to work in different places and it is super flexible for me. I can also manage my own working time and allocate the work by myself too.
In addition, the organization offers many opportunities to work with different teams, which help me develop practical skills in my career journey. It also encourages colleagues to ask questions and help each other, which also gives me a safe working environment for me to grow.
FSI is a cohesive workplace too. The team members are very caring and supportive. The work culture at FSI enables me to develop a sense of belonging and I would really want to stay and continue working with the team.
Tell us a bit more about yourself – your hobbies, self-care routine, passion etc.?
I am a curious person who enjoys trying new things and exploring the unknown. This is one of the reasons I have been eager to take on various opportunities since starting my career at FSI.
I also cherish time with my friends and family. On weekends, I love spending time with them.
I keep a collage journal to record the memorable moments in my life. When I have free time, I practice the Chinese Tea Ceremony, as it helps me to calm myself and express my creativity in brewing tea with different tastes.
In your opinion, what is needed to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient society?
I think we should highlight the cultural diversity that makes Hong Kong a unique global city. Criticism and misunderstanding happen due to a lack of understanding and awareness of cultural differences. By promoting education about Hong Kong’s diverse cultural heritage, people can develop a deeper connection with one another, leading to greater social cohesion and inclusivity.
What is the best thing about being Mandy Yeung right now?
The best thing is that I have a bunch of people supporting and encouraging me, which provides me with a good environment to grow and become mature in my life.
